adidas Anthony Edwards 1 shoes

Anthony Edwards 1

In the early 2020s, rising NBA star Anthony Edwards became known for his incredible athleticism and charismatic self-belief. This was reflected in his first signature shoe, 2023’s adidas Anthony Edwards 1, and it quickly became one of the most popular basketball silhouettes of its time.

The original Anthony Edwards 1 was a mid-top with a soft, breathable textile upper featuring ‘generative support wings’ over each flank. These durable rubberised panels provide stability, contribute to lockdown and facilitate breathability via geometric openings that allow air to flow through the mesh behind. A sturdy external heel counter enhances lockdown alongside the reinforced eyelets, while the toe and heel incorporate protective panelling. A seamless, reflective overlay further bolsters the forefoot, and pull tabs on both heel and tongue add convenience. 2024’s low-top version features adaptations including a broader lacing structure that increases space in the forefoot, a more textured inner to eliminate slippage and a more sculpted heel with an internal counter for even greater support.

The sole unit of the adidas Anthony Edwards 1 originally incorporated full-length Boost cushioning within a LightStrike foam carrier for comfort, energy return and flexibility. However, the low-top introduced separate pieces of LightBoost foam, with a thinner one to enhance ground feel and control in the forefoot and a thicker one to cushion landings at the heel. Here, the foam appears through an opening which, along with the reduced midfoot of the medial support wing, allows more expansion and maximises responsiveness. All versions have an X-shaped shank plate that stiffens, stabilises and offers a springy sensation, and a durable outsole with an undulating herringbone traction pattern and flex grooves for court-ready grip and manoeuvrability.

The streamlined, honeycombed sidewalls of the Anthony Edwards 1 create a unique look that echoes the player’s charismatic play style. Meanwhile, the faux carbon-fibre heel counter displays an eye-catching adidas logo, and, although the original featured Edwards’ initials on the tongue and insole, more recent models contain his dynamic ‘A’ logo instead. Performance technologies like the LightBoost foam and X-torsion plate are showcased through visible elements in the heel and outsole, delivering a bold aesthetic that stylishly combines form and function.

For the release of his debut signature shoe, Edwards attended a homecoming event in Atlanta, unveiling the ‘With Love’ colourway, whose peach and pink tones celebrate his mother and grandmother. Following this, he regularly appeared on social media to promote the adidas Anthony Edwards 1, and in April 2025, he was joined by Ice-T for the humorous “Man Down” campaign. Inspired by crime dramas, it depicts the legendary rapper as a detective investigating a victim of Edwards’ iconic poster dunks. While examining the case, he references the shoe’s powerful technologies and “mean-looking” design, as well as uttering Edwards’ iconic, self-motivational motto: “believe that”.

As a basketball shoe, the adidas Anthony Edwards 1 is one of the best around. Its distinctive upper and cutting-edge sole unit provide an unrivalled blend of supportive stability, speedy responsiveness and precise control on court, while its unique look gives it the versatility to become a stylish casual sneaker.